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SAN ANTONIO — For most of us, the holidays are marked by abundant food and festivities. Overeating is the biggest seasonal problem for many.

But countless Texas children go wanting. A recent study by The Hamilton Project, a policy wing of the Brookings Institution, found nearly 28 percent of Texas children are food insecure.

This means they might go a few days without a meal, or their parents skip meals to feed their kids. Every meal, every calorie, is precarious.

If these children do get fed, they often aren't receiving adequate nutrition. That's one reason why about 19 percent of Texas kids are also obese.

These are depressing stats. Per the Hamilton Project report, Texas ranks ninth nationally in food insecurity for children, and 10th for childhood obesity.

About one in three San Antonio kids is probably food insecure, said Eric S. Cooper, president and CEO of San Antonio Food Bank.

Holiday season or not, the food bank serves about 58,000 people a week, he said. This sad figure includes about 19,000 children, or enough kids to fill the AT&T Center for a Spurs game.

Demand is year-round. And yet, Cooper described two conflicting swings.

“There is a spike (in need) that occurs during summer months with kids (who) are out of school and don't have access to the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program,” he said. “And then there is a spike in the giving when it comes to the holidays.”

Many of us make food donations during the holiday season, a gesture reflective of San Antonio's compassionate and generous spirit. But the need is year-round, especially come summer.

A food box doesn't end poverty, or directly lead to work. But ensuring stomachs and plates are full is an important first step toward addressing poverty. This holiday season, consider making food donations year-round.